Perpetual leapfrogging in Bertrand duopoly

Authors
Citation
E. Giovannetti, Perpetual leapfrogging in Bertrand duopoly, INT ECON R, 42(3), 2001, pp. 671-696
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Economics
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC REVIEW
ISSN journal
00206598 → ACNP
Volume
42
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
671 - 696
Database
ISI
SICI code
0020-6598(200108)42:3<671:PLIBD>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
We consider different patterns of infinite technological adoption choices b y firms in a Bertrand duopoly. Every period technological progress provides a sequence of cost reducing innovations. The equilibrium concept is Markov perfect equilibrium. We analyze conditions for which equilibrium adoption leads to persistent leadership and those where firms alternate in adoption inducing leapfrogging. Only leapfrogging leads to technological improvement in the long run. Demand conditions play a crucial role in determining whet her leapfrogging can be perpetual in Bertrand duopoly.